JP2017507475A - Light emitting device including a detachable wavelength converter - Google Patents

Abstract

The illumination device 100 includes a support structure 102, 104 including a locking mechanism 114, 302, 304, a light source 106 disposed in contact with the support structure 102, 104, and a first wavelength range to a second wavelength range. And a wavelength converter 110 having a light incident surface for receiving light and a light emitting surface for emitting light. The wavelength converter 110 is detachably connected to the support structures 102 and 104 in the lock position via a lock mechanism, and the light incident surface is disposed in optical contact with the light source 106.

Description

  The present invention relates to a light emitting device. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved light emitting device including a wavelength converter.

  The development of new and more energy efficient lighting devices is one of the important technical challenges facing society. Common technologies that are more energy efficient than conventional lighting solutions are often based on solid state light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs).

  Most, but not all, commercially available high-efficiency solid state light sources also emit undesired wavelengths of light, such as UV light, blue light, violet light, and the like. Furthermore, the light emitted from the solid state light source is not focused. High intensity light sources are of interest for many applications including spot lighting, digital light projection, vehicle lighting, lamps and luminaires. For these purposes, it is possible to use wavelength converters that convert shorter wavelength light into longer wavelength light in highly transparent luminescent materials. In order to increase the brightness or intensity of the emitted light, longer wavelength light is extracted from only one surface of the wavelength converter.

  However, in such applications, it is important to effectively couple the light from the light source to a wavelength converter that includes a transparent phosphor that provides wavelength conversion in most cases. Furthermore, it is desirable to maintain the generated light within the luminescent layer to avoid light loss from the point where the LED is optically coupled to the luminescent layer. U.S. Pat. No. 7,982,229 includes a phosphor that receives light from a blue LED, converts the light into light of a longer wavelength, and guides the light to the exit surface, resulting in high luminance conversion The structure is described. However, such lighting devices do not allow the customer to customize or adapt the lighting device to take into account certain desired characteristics of the lighting device, such as color, shape or aspect ratio. In addition, new developments provide more efficient wavelength converters that should be desirably used in such lighting devices. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0086475 A1 discloses a color tunable light emitting device that can move a phosphor component having a variable thickness relative to a light source. European Patent No. 2555261A1 discloses a phosphor element that includes portions having various phosphors, which can be moved relative to the light emitting area.

  With respect to the desired characteristics of the light emitting device, the present invention is customizable and adaptable so that it can be considered for further development or the customer can customize the improved lighting device. It is a general object to improve the performance of a light emitting device via a lighting device.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, these and other objects include a support structure including a locking mechanism, a light source disposed in contact with the support structure, and a second from a first wavelength range. This is accomplished via an illumination device that includes a wavelength converter having a light incident surface that converts light into the wavelength range and receives light and a light exit surface that emits light. The wavelength converter is detachably connected to the support structure in the locked position via a locking mechanism, and the light incident surface is disposed in optical contact with the light source.

  The purpose of the device is to provide illumination, and a light source, typically a light emitting diode (LED) or other solid state light source, is the main component that provides this function. The wavelength converter converts light from the first wavelength range to the second wavelength range. This conversion is usually a conversion from a short wavelength to a long wavelength. Furthermore, the wavelength converter is usually provided in the form of a luminescent structure comprising a phosphor.

  A support structure is to be understood as a structure that releasably connects the wavelength converter to a support structure that includes a light source in a locked position via a locking mechanism. Thus, it should be understood that a wavelength converter is a replaceable wavelength converter that is replaced with another replaceable wavelength converter to customize or upgrade the lighting device. The support structure further includes a light source, and the wavelength converter is positioned such that a light incident surface that receives the light of the wavelength converter receives light from the light source. In one embodiment, the light exit surface of the light source is disposed between the light entrance surface of the wavelength converter and the surface of the support structure. For example, the light source is embedded in the support structure except for the light emitting surface of the light source, and the light emitting surface of the light source faces the light incident surface of the wavelength converter. The light received by the wavelength converter is then converted to the second wavelength range before being emitted through the light exit surface. A small amount of light may not be converted by a light conversion process that may not occur for all photons entering the wavelength converter.

  The present invention can replace or replace the wavelength converter by using a releasably connected wavelength converter, thereby changing the color or color point depending on the material used, or the shape of the light exit surface or It is based on the recognition that the intensity of light emitted from the lighting device can be customized by the aspect ratio. Furthermore, research and development may provide a new and more efficient wavelength converter that can be used in the lighting device according to the present invention, thereby reusing other parts of the lighting device, Cost can be reduced.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support structure may include a heat sink that is thermally coupled to the light source. By thermally coupling the light source to the heat sink, the cooling of the light source is improved and the light source produces light more efficiently over a long period or indefinitely without failure or performance degradation due to too high a temperature. be able to.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink may be thermally coupled to the wavelength converter. By providing thermal coupling between the wavelength converter and the heat sink, the wavelength converter converts light more efficiently over extended periods or indefinitely without failure or performance degradation due to too high temperatures. Is made possible.

  According to one embodiment of the invention, the wavelength converter may be separated from the heat sink by a gap that is less than 100 micrometers, preferably less than 50 micrometers, and most preferably less than 20 micrometers. . Small voids less than 100 micrometers provide excellent thermal conductivity while optically separating the wavelength converter from the heat sink. By optically separating the wavelength converter from the heat sink, the interface through which light can leak from the wavelength converter is the interface between the wavelength converter and air. Since air has a refractive index of 1, the possibility of light exiting the wavelength converter is reduced while the advantageous cooling characteristics of the device are maintained.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support structure may include a first part, a second part, and a locking mechanism, wherein the first part includes a locking mechanism that includes the first part, Maintained in a fixed position relative to the second part, so that the wavelength converter is in a position that is securely held between the first part and the second part. Can be moved. By using a locking mechanism, the wavelength converter is coupled to the first part by providing a support structure that is movable toward the second part such that the first part is in the locked position. It is held firmly between the second part. In short, the wavelength converter is clamped. The locked position is to be understood as a position where the first part automatically stays in that position relative to the second part, thereby providing a means for holding the wavelength converter. is there.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the lighting device is further disposed between the light source and the light incident surface and in contact with the light source and the light incident surface, and also emits light from the light source. A compressible optical element leading to the wavelength converter may be included. A compressible optical element is such that when the wavelength converter is held firmly, direct physical contact between the wavelength converter and the support structure can be detrimental to the surface of the wavelength converter. It should be understood as an optical element that is compressible such that the optical element is compressed between the wavelength converter and the support structure to prevent contact. Furthermore, by adjusting the refractive index of the optical element, most of the light from the light source is coupled by the optical element to the wavelength converter, thereby improving the efficiency of the illumination device.

  According to an embodiment of the invention, the optical element may have a refractive index of less than 1.4, preferably less than 1.2. These refractive indices allow the optical element to couple most of the light into the wavelength converter, which further improves the efficiency of the device. In various embodiments of the present invention, the wavelength converter typically has a refractive index of about 1.7, and in some embodiments has a refractive index of up to about 2.0.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the illumination device further comprises a compressible optical element disposed between the wavelength converter and the support structure and in contact with the wavelength converter and the support structure. The compressible optical element includes an element that reflects light that is refracted at the interface between the compressible optical element and the wavelength converter. By configuring a compressible optical element disposed between and in contact with the support structure and the wavelength converter to reflect light, the wavelength is Most of the light from the converter exits the wavelength converter via the light exit surface, which improves the brightness of the light emitted by the lighting device.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the compressible optical element may be thermally conductive and preferably has a thermal conductivity greater than about 1 W / mK. By providing a thermally conductive compressible optical element, the wavelength converter is thermally coupled to the support structure. By thermally coupling the wavelength converter to the support structure, the wavelength converter can convert light more efficiently over a long period or indefinitely without failure or performance degradation due to too high a temperature. Can do.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the compressible optical element may be less than 100 micrometers, preferably less than 20 micrometers. Thin compressible optical elements, such as thinner than 100 micrometers, efficiently conduct heat from the wavelength converter to the support structure.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support structure may include a first portion pivotally connected to the second portion, the first portion being in the locked position so that the second portion is in the locked position. The wavelength converter can be held firmly between the first part and the second part. By providing a support structure having a first portion that is pivotable toward the second portion so as to be in a locked position, the wavelength converter is located between the first portion and the second portion. Firmly held. In short, the wavelength converter is clamped. The locked position is to be understood as a position where the first part automatically stays in that position relative to the second part, thereby providing a means for holding the wavelength converter. is there.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the support structure further includes a protrusion, the wavelength converter includes a recess corresponding to the protrusion, and the protrusion holds the wavelength converter firmly in the locked position. To engage the recess. By providing a support structure that includes a protrusion and a wavelength converter that includes a corresponding recess, the wavelength converter is configured such that the protrusion engages the recess in a closed or locked position. Removably connected to the body, which holds the wavelength converter firmly.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support structure further includes a protrusion, the wavelength converter further includes a heat conducting layer that partially surrounds the wavelength converter, the heat conducting layer comprising the wavelength converter. When connected to the support structure, it contacts the support structure, the heat conducting layer includes a recess corresponding to the protrusion, the protrusion firmly holding the wavelength converter in a locked position relative to the support structure. To engage the recess. By providing a support structure that includes a protrusion and a thermally conductive layer that includes a corresponding recess and surrounds the wavelength converter, the wavelength converter engages the recess in the closed or locked position. By doing so, it is removably connected to the support structure, so that the wavelength converter is securely held. Furthermore, the heat conducting layer that partially surrounds the wavelength converter transfers heat from the wavelength converter to the support structure, so that the wavelength converter can be used for a long time or without failure or performance degradation due to too high a temperature. Light can be converted more efficiently indefinitely.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lighting device is further optically connected to the light exit surface, and the light direction of the wavelength converter is releasably held between the light redirecting element and the support structure. A conversion element may be included. The light redirecting element may be, for example, a collimator, a lens, a prism or any other known optical element that redirects the light. The light redirecting element is preferably arranged such that the wavelength converter is clamped between the light redirecting element and a part of the support structure.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is to convert a light from a first wavelength range to a second wavelength range, a support structure, a light source disposed in contact with the support structure, It is also satisfied by an illumination system that includes an illumination device that includes a wavelength converter having a light incident surface that receives light and a light exit surface that emits light. The wavelength converter is detachably connected to the support structure, and the light incident surface is disposed in optical contact with the light source. The illumination system is further connected to a detector for detecting at least one characteristic of the wavelength converter and / or at least one characteristic of light emitted by the light exit surface of the wavelength converter, and to the detector and the light source. And a control unit that controls the light source based on the detected properties of the light emitted by the wavelength converter and / or the light exit surface of the wavelength converter.

  Many features and advantages of the second aspect of the invention are similar to those described above for the first aspect. However, the illumination system further connects to a detector for detecting at least one characteristic of the wavelength converter and / or at least one characteristic of light emitted by the light exit surface of the wavelength converter, and to the detector and the light source Control unit. The control unit controls the light source based on the wavelength converter or a detected characteristic of the light emitted by the wavelength converter. Thus, if the wavelength converter is replaced by another wavelength converter, the control unit will depend more on the detected characteristics or on the amount of light that needs to be emitted from the wavelength converter. The light source can be efficiently controlled to output more or less light.

  Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a review of the appended claims and the following description. One skilled in the art will recognize that the various features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described below without departing from the scope of the present invention. Let's go.

  This and other aspects of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a lighting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  In this detailed description, embodiments of light emitting devices according to the present invention are described primarily with reference to light emitting devices that include LED light sources. Note that this does not limit the scope of the present invention, and the present invention can be applied to other situations, for example, in combination with other types of light sources. Furthermore, the number of LEDs shown in the drawing is only a schematic representation. In use, the number, specific mass deviation and other such details are determined by each application.

  The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, first focusing on the structure and then focusing on the function of the lighting device.

  FIG. 1 is a side view of a lighting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 100 includes a support structure that includes a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The lighting device further includes a wavelength converter 110 that converts light from the first wavelength range to the second wavelength range. The main components that provide light are here shown as three light sources 106, which are typically LEDs or laser diodes, hereinafter referred to as such. However, other types of solid state light sources may be used within the scope of the present invention. The LED 106 is placed in contact with the support structure 104. Here, the LED is embedded in the surface of the support structure 104 facing the wavelength converter 110, and the light emitting surface of the LED 106 faces the wavelength converter 110. A compressible optical element 108 arranged to direct light from the LED 106 to the wavelength converter 110 is placed in contact with the LED 106. The surface on which light enters the wavelength converter 110 is a light incident surface, which is incident on the LED 106 via the compressible optical element 108 and on the wavelength converter 110 of the LED 106 via the optical element 108. Optically contacts the light emitting surface facing the light incident surface. The compressible optical element 108 also prevents physical contact between the support structure and the wavelength converter 110 that is detrimental to the wavelength converter 110. Accordingly, in the locked position, the optical element 108 is clamped between the light incident surface of the wavelength converter 110 and the light emitting surface of the LED 106. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, there is further a compressible optical element 112 disposed between the wavelength converter 110 and the first portion 102 of the support structure. The compressible optical element 112 reflects light at the interface between the compressible optical element 112 and the wavelength converter 110. The compressible optical element 112 also prevents physical contact between the wavelength converter 110 and the support structure, which is detrimental to the wavelength converter 110. The compressible optical elements 108, 112 further conduct heat from the wavelength converter 110 to the support structure. The support structures 102, 104 may further include a heat sink (not shown). Thus, more heat is transferred from the wavelength converter 110 through the support structure. In use, heat is generated during the conversion process from the first wavelength range to the second wavelength range in the wavelength converter 110. Thus, by transferring heat from the wavelength converter 110, the wavelength converter 110 can more efficiently convert light over a long period of time or indefinitely without failure or performance degradation due to too high a temperature. become able to. A heat sink (not shown) included in or part of the support structure 102, 104 may also be coupled to the LED 106, so that the LED 106 is also free from failure or performance degradation due to too high temperatures. Can generate light more efficiently over a long period of time or indefinitely.

  The support structure further includes a locking mechanism 114. By the locking mechanism 114, the first portion 102 is movable toward the second portion 104 so as to be in the position shown in FIG. In the position shown in FIG. 1, the locking mechanism 114 maintains the first portion in a fixed position relative to the second portion 104, thereby allowing the wavelength converter 110 to move to the first portion of the support structure. Between 102 and the second portion 104, the optical element 108 is held firmly so as to be clamped between the light incident surface of the wavelength converter 110 and the light emitting surface of the LED 106. By increasing the distance between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104, the locking mechanism 114 eliminates the wavelength converter 110 and provides different characteristics such as color or shape or aspect ratio of the light exit surface. It can be replaced by another wavelength converter 110 having. Thereby, the wavelength converter 110 is detachably connected to the support structure. Thus, the wavelength converter is a replaceable or replaceable wavelength converter 110. The locking mechanism 114 may be any known locking mechanism such as a snap lock, click lock, twist lock, bayonet lock or screw lock. The locking mechanism 114 may further include a spring or other mechanical component to achieve the locking function.

The wavelength converter 110 preferably has a smooth surface (ie, a polished surface) and is in the shape of a rod or rod (ie, elongated) as shown in FIG. The compressible optical elements 108, 112 are preferably a silicone material or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) having a refractive index set to be lower than 1.4 and even lower than 1.2. ). In addition, the silicone material and PTFE efficiently conduct heat to a heat sink (not shown) contained within the support structure 102,104. The wavelength converter 110 is preferably made of Ce-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG, Y ₃ AL ₅ O ₁₂ ), lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAG), LuGaAG or LUYAG. YAG, LUAG, LuGaAG or LuYAG converts light from a short wavelength to a long wavelength. The wavelength converter is essentially (M ^I _1-xy M ^II _x M ^III _y ) 3 (M ^IV _1-z M ^v _z ) ₅ O _12- (where M ^I is Y, Lu Or a group comprising a mixture thereof, wherein M ^II is selected from a group comprising Gd, La, Yb or a mixture thereof, and M ^III comprises a group comprising Tb, Pr, Ce, Er, Nd, Eu or a mixture thereof And M ^IV is Al, M ^V is selected from the group comprising Ga, Sc or mixtures thereof, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 0.1, 0 < z < l) (M ^I _1-xy M ^II _x , M ^III _y ) ₂ O ₃₋ (where M ^I is selected from the group comprising Y, Lu or mixtures thereof; M ^II represents Gd, La, Selected from the group comprising Yb or mixtures thereof, and M ^III is Tb, Pr, Ce, Er, Nd , Eu, Bi, Sb or a mixture thereof, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 0.1); (M ^I1 _-xy M ^II _x M ^III _y ) S _{1 -Z} Se _z- (where M ^I is selected from the group comprising Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba or mixtures thereof, and M ^II is Ce, Eu, Mn, Tb, Sm, Pr, Sb, Sn or M ^III is selected from the group comprising the mixture, M ^III is selected from the group comprising K, Na, Li, Rb, Zn or mixtures thereof, 0 < x < 0.01, 0 < y < 0.05, 0 < z < l); (M ^I _1-xy M ^II _x M ^III _y ) O ₋ (where M ^I is selected from the group comprising Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba or mixtures thereof; ^II is selected Ce, Eu, Mn, Tb, Sm, from the group comprising Pr or a mixture thereof M ^III is, K, Na, Li, Rb , are chosen from the group comprising Zn or mixtures thereof, 0 <x <0.1,0 <y < a _{^{0.1); (M I 2-}} x M II _x M ^III ₂ ) O _7- (wherein M ¹ is selected from the group comprising La, Y, Gd, Lu, Ba, Sr or mixtures thereof, and M ^II is Eu, Tb, Pr, Ce, Nd, (M ^I ₁₋ is selected from the group comprising Sm, Tm or mixtures thereof; M ^III is selected from the group comprising Hf, Zr, Ti, Ta, Nb or mixtures thereof; 0 < x < 1); _x M ^II _x M ^III _1-y M ^IV _y ) O _3- (where M ^I is selected from the group comprising Ba, Sr, Ca, La, Y, Gd, Lu or mixtures thereof, and M ^II is Is it a group containing Eu, Tb, Pr, Ce, Nd, Sm, Tm or mixtures thereof? Is ^{selected, M III} is Hf; Zr, Ti, Ta, is selected from the group comprising Nb or mixtures ^{thereof, M IV} is selected Al, Ga, Sc, from the group comprising Si or a mixture thereof, <x < 0.1, 0 < y < 0.1); or a material selected from the group comprising mixtures thereof. Another wavelength converting material that can be used in the wavelength converter is a quantum dot. Quantum dots are usually small crystals of semiconductor material with a width or diameter of only a few nanometers. Such quantum dots are incorporated into matrix materials such as polymers (silicone, PMMA, PET) or ceramic / glassy materials. When excited by incident light, the quantum dots emit light of a color determined by the crystal size and material. Therefore, a specific color of light can be generated by adapting the size of the quantum dots. The most known quantum dots with emission in the visible range are based on cadmium selenide (CdSe) with shells such as cadmium sulfide (CdS) and zinc sulfide (ZnS). Cadmium-free quantum dots such as indium phosphide (InP), copper indium sulfide (CuInS2) and / or silver indium sulfide (AgInS2) can also be used. Quantum dots exhibit a very narrow emission band and therefore a saturated color. Furthermore, the emission color can be easily adjusted by adapting the size of the quantum dots. Any type of quantum dot known in the art may be used in the present invention. However, for reasons of safety and consideration for the environment, it is preferable to use cadmium-free quantum dots or at least quantum dots with a very low cadmium content. Organic phosphors can also be used for the wavelength converter 110. The organic phosphor may be dissolved / dispersed in a molecular form in a matrix material such as a polymer (eg, silicone, PMMA, PET). Examples of suitable organic phosphor materials are organic luminescent materials based on perylene derivatives, for example compounds sold under the name Lumogen® by the company BASF. Examples of suitable compounds include, but are not limited to, Lumogen® F Red305, Lumogen® F Orange240, Lumogen® F Yellow083 and Lumogen® F Yellow170.

  In use, the LED 106 emits light in a first wavelength range that is directed through the compressible optical element 108 and into the wavelength converter 110 via the light incident surface. A part of the light in the first wavelength range entering the wavelength converter 110 is converted into light in the second wavelength range, and after the conversion process, the light is emitted in a random direction. A part of the converted light and a part that is not converted collide with the interface between the wavelength converter 110 and the surrounding medium. Due to the difference in refractive index, light impinging on the interface between the wavelength converter 110 and the optical elements 108 and 112 is likely to be totally reflected (TIR), and can therefore be reflected back into the wavelength converter 110. High nature. Light exiting the wavelength converter is reflected by a support structure that may include a reflective layer. The light exit surface of the wavelength converter 110 is configured to emit light, and the other surface of the wavelength converter 110 is configured to reflect light, so that the light is emitted from the wavelength converter 110. Directed to the surface. In this example, the light exit surface of the wavelength converter 110 has a non-zero angle with respect to the light entrance surface of the wavelength converter 110 (for example, it is perpendicular). In the embodiment, the wavelength converter 110 has a rod shape. Since the area of the light exit surface of the wavelength converter 110 is smaller than that of the light input surface, the luminance increases. When light is converted in the wavelength converter 110, energy is dissipated and heat is generated. The optical elements 108, 112 advantageously thermally couple the support structure 102, 104, including a heat sink (not shown), to the wavelength converter 110, as described above, and the heat is transmitted to the optical element. 108, 112, and thus the wavelength converter 110 is cooled.

  FIG. 2 is a side view of a lighting device 200 according to another embodiment of the invention. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there are no compressible optical elements 108,112. Accordingly, an air gap 202 is formed between the wavelength converter 110 and the second portion 104 of the support structure, and the LED 106 is provided in the air gap. The air gap 202 is less than 100 micrometers, preferably less than 50 micrometers, and most preferably less than 20 micrometers. An air gap 202 is created in the support structure 104 at a distance from the LED 106 so that optical contact between the LED 106 and the light incident surface is not prevented while still maintaining the wavelength converter 110 at a distance from the support structure. This is realized by a small support (not shown). The air gap 202 optically separates the support structures 102, 104 and the wavelength converter 110 while still allowing a large amount of heat transfer. This is because a thin layer of air is an efficient heat conductor. In addition, the air gap between the first portion 102 of the support structure and the wavelength converter 110 can be used to conduct heat from the wavelength converter 110 to the first portion of the support structure. It is. Similar to the implementation between the second portion 104 of the support structure and the wavelength converter 110, the first of the support structure so as to create a distance between the support structure and the wavelength converter 110. A small support (not shown) is formed on the portion 102 of the substrate. Support structure 102, 104 further includes a heat sink (not shown), which allows the support structure to absorb heat generated by wavelength converter 110 and LED 106 in use. The support structures 102, 104 may function as a heat sink.

  The first part 102 of the support structure can be pivoted so that the first part 102 is in a fixed position along the direction indicated by the arrow A1 towards the second part 104 of the support structure. In this way, the second portion 104 is pivotally connected. By maintaining the fixed position, the wavelength converter 110 is firmly held. The first portion is held in the fixed position by a lock mechanism (not shown). The locking mechanism may be any known locking mechanism, such as a snap lock, or a spring or other simple mechanical component. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, by turning the first portion 102 away from the second portion 104, the wavelength converter 110 no longer has the first portion 102 and the second portion. 104, which replaces the replaceable wavelength converter 110 with another replaceable wavelength converter having different characteristics. Therefore, the wavelength converter 110 is detachably connected to the support structure in the lock position via the lock mechanism.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the present invention is shown in which, unlike the two embodiments above, the lighting device 330 includes a support structure 306 that is a single piece. There are three light sources 106, shown as three LEDs, and a wavelength converter 110. The wavelength converter 110 and the support structure 306 are separated by a gap as described above. The air gap allows a thin layer of air to conduct heat from the wavelength converter to a support structure that includes a heat sink (not shown). The LED 106 is further in thermal contact with the heat sink. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the support structure further includes two protrusions 302 and the wavelength converter includes two corresponding recesses 304. These are combined to provide a locking mechanism. The protrusion 302 is flexible or shaped to allow the wavelength converter 110 to be inserted. Thus, when the wavelength converter 110 is inserted into the support structure 306 toward the locked position, the protrusion 302 is temporarily deformed and then engages the recess 304, thereby causing the wavelength The position of the transducer is maintained. Thus, the user can insert the wavelength converter 110 into the support structure 306. The wavelength converter 110 is locked in a fixed position by the protrusion 302 and the recess 304 engaging with each other. Similarly, the wavelength converter 110 can be removed by removing the protrusion 302 from the recess 304 by using a small amount of force, so that the wavelength converter 110 can be removed from the protrusion 302 and the recess 304. Is detachably connected to the support structure in the locked position via the locking mechanism formed by In applications where the support structure includes a reflective layer, an air gap is thus formed between the reflective layer and the wavelength converter. The wavelength converter and the support structure may further be such that the first portion of the wavelength converter contacts the support structure while the second portion of the wavelength converter is separated from the support structure by an air gap. May be configured.

  In FIG. 4, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, another embodiment of the present invention is shown that includes a mechanism for releasably connecting the wavelength converter 110 to the support structure 306. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the support structure 306 includes a protrusion 302, similar to the embodiment in FIG. 3, but the lighting device further partially surrounds the wavelength converter 110 and is on the light source 106 side. A heat conductive layer 402 that does not cover the light incident surface or the light output surface is included. The thermally conductive layer 402 is in contact with the support structure 306 to conduct heat from the wavelength converter 110 to the support structure 306 that includes a heat sink (not shown). In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the thermally conductive layer 402 includes a recess corresponding to the protrusion 302, whereby the protrusion 302 engages the recess and causes the wavelength converter 110 to move. It is securely held in a locked position relative to the support structure 306 via a locking mechanism formed by 302 and a recess.

  As readily realized by those skilled in the art, the protrusions may be similarly arranged to protrude from the wavelength converter 110 to engage corresponding recesses in the support structure.

  Referring now to FIG. 5, a side view of another embodiment of the present invention including a mechanism for releasably connecting the wavelength converter 110 is shown. The lighting device 500 includes a support structure 502, a light source 106, and a compressible optical element 108. The lighting device 500 further includes a light redirecting element 504. In order to releasably connect the wavelength converter 110 to the support structure 502, the wavelength converter 110 is clamped between a portion of the support structure 502 and the light redirecting element 504 in use. For example, the user inserts the wavelength converter 110 along the instruction arrow A2. Thus, when the wavelength converter 110 is replaced, the wavelength converter 110 is removed by pulling in the opposite direction from the clamping position. When the wavelength converter 110 is in a fixed position, the light redirecting element 504 is in optical contact with the light exit surface of the wavelength converter 110. To facilitate clamping, the distance between a portion of the support structure 502 and the light redirecting element 504 is slightly larger than the wavelength converter 110. In addition, a locking mechanism (not shown) is used to maintain the wavelength converter in place. Further, the distance between a portion of the support structure 502 and the light redirecting element 504 is slightly smaller than the wavelength converter 110 so that a portion of the support structure 502 can insert the wavelength converter 110. There may be a little flexibility. The light redirecting element 504 may be, for example, a collimator, a lens, a prism, or any other known optical element that redirects light.

  In another embodiment, an illumination system comprises an illumination device according to any of the above embodiments and at least one characteristic of a wavelength converter and / or at least one characteristic of light emitted by a light exit surface of the wavelength converter. And a detector to detect. The illumination system further includes a control unit connected to the detector and the light source. The control unit controls the light source based on the detected characteristics of the light emitted by the wavelength converter and / or the light exit surface of the wavelength converter.

  The detector detects the geometric dimension of the wavelength converter, eg thickness, width or length. The detector may additionally or alternatively detect one or more characteristics of the light output such as spectrum, color or brightness. The control unit in this case drives the light source, for example based on the detected light output, thereby controlling the light source so that the required light output, color or spectrum is obtained. In addition to or instead of this, the detector detects the temperature of the wavelength converter. The control unit in this case drives the light source based on the detected temperature, thereby preventing, for example, overheating. The light redirecting element uses a compressible optical material, for example by making the light redirecting element flexible (eg made of silicone) or between the light transducer and the light redirecting element In some cases, the optical converter may be in optical contact.

  The wavelength converter described in the above embodiments may be larger or smaller than that illustrated herein in some embodiments. The wavelength converter may fill or extend from the support structure between the gaps between the various parts of the support structure.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, many various changes, modifications, and the like will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the light source is preferably a solid state light emitter. Examples of solid state light emitters are light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) or eg laser diodes. Solid state light emitters are relatively cost effective light sources and are generally used because they are not expensive, are relatively efficient and have a long lifetime. The solid state light source used is preferably a UV, violet or blue light source due to its high efficiency. The illumination device further includes a mirror that reflects light that is not converted and reflected at the interface between the wavelength converter and the surrounding material back to the wavelength converter. The illumination device may further include additional optical elements that redirect and / or combine various light sources.

Further, changes to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and realized by those skilled in the art of practicing the claimed invention upon review of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (15)

A support structure including a locking mechanism;
A light source disposed in contact with the support structure;
A wavelength converter that converts light from a first wavelength range to a second wavelength range and has a light incident surface that receives light and a light exit surface that emits light;
Including
The wavelength converter is detachably connected to the support structure in a locked position via the locking mechanism, and the light incident surface is disposed in optical contact with the light source.   The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a heat sink that is thermally coupled to the light source.   The lighting device of claim 2, wherein the heat sink is thermally coupled to the wavelength converter.   4. A lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the wavelength converter is separated from the heat sink by an air gap that is less than 100 micrometers, preferably less than 50 micrometers, and most preferably less than 20 micrometers. .   The support structure further includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the locking mechanism maintains the first portion in a fixed position relative to the second portion. And thereby, the wavelength converter is movable toward the second part such that the wavelength converter is in a position that is firmly held between the first part and the second part. Item 2. The lighting device according to Item 1.   Between the light source and the light incident surface of the wavelength converter, and disposed in contact with the light source and the light incident surface of the wavelength converter, the light from the light source is converted into the wavelength. 6. The lighting device of claim 5, further comprising a compressible optical element that leads to a vessel.   7. Illumination device according to claim 6, wherein the compressible optical element has a refractive index lower than 1.4, preferably less than 1.2.   The compressible optical element further includes a compressible optical element disposed between the wavelength converter and the support structure and in contact with the wavelength converter and the support structure. 5. The lighting device of claim 4, which reflects light that is refracted at an interface between the compressible optical element and the wavelength converter.   9. A lighting device according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the thickness of the compressible optical element is less than 100 micrometers, preferably less than 20 micrometers.   9. A lighting device according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the compressible optical element is thermally conductive, preferably having a thermal conductivity greater than about 1 W / mK.   The support structure includes a first portion pivotably connected to a second portion, the first portion being pivotable toward the second portion so as to be in a locked position. The illumination device of claim 1, whereby the wavelength converter is securely held between the first portion and the second portion.   The support structure further includes a protrusion, and the wavelength converter includes a recess corresponding to the protrusion, and the protrusion firmly holds the wavelength converter in a locked position with respect to the support structure. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the lighting device engages the recess to hold.   The support structure further includes a protrusion, the wavelength converter further includes a heat conducting layer partially surrounding the wavelength converter, and the heat conducting layer is formed by the wavelength converter on the support structure. When connected, it contacts the support structure, and the thermally conductive layer includes a recess corresponding to the protrusion, the protrusion firmly locking the wavelength converter relative to the support structure. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is engaged with the recess so as to be held.   The light redirecting element of claim 1, further comprising the light redirecting element optically connected to the light exit surface and releasably holding the wavelength converter between the light redirecting element and the support structure. Lighting device. A lighting system comprising the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
A detector for detecting at least one characteristic of the wavelength converter and / or at least one characteristic of light emitted by the light exit surface of the wavelength converter;
A control unit that is connected to the detector and the light source and controls the light source based on the detected property of light emitted by the wavelength converter and / or the light exit surface of the wavelength converter; ,
Including lighting system.

Images